Analyzing climate perceptions and backlash in Belgium
This project is part of the inter-university survey “The Social Study” : A scientific panel to capture life and public opinion in Belgium
In a context of rising climate backlash, climate scepticism and increasing environmental inequalities, this project aims to understand the evolution of the perceptions, emotions and attitudes of Belgian citizens towards climate change. In particular, it will concentrate on four axes of research: 1) the resistance against climate policies and the normative expectations towards different levels of governance/types of (un)democratic system, 2) the perception of socio-environmental inequalities and related responsibilities, as well as the willingness to change/renounce, 3) the trust in different levels of public and scientific authority, 4) the emotions related to climate change and the experience of climate-extreme events.
The project aims to empirically document rising forms of climate-denial and climate-backlash, while at the same time furthering our understanding of environmental and climate inequalities. The project also aims to provide a contemporary picture of citizens’ representations of climate change, the emotions people feel in relation to climate change and their expectations in terms of climate politics and governance. In a context of multiple resistances against climate and environmental policies and of deepening of socio-environmental inequalities, this project is relevant at the empirical level, but also at the conceptual and theoretical level to renew existing environmental political theories.
Duration: yearly panel. The first one was carried out in 2025. To be renewed/continued.
Source of funding: ULB